Gallery Cafe

#chicago #flyforfriends #yelpfriends #gourmetcoffee…read more So the real question is what does one do in the great city of Chicago? Well, if you are with Matcha snobs and coffee snobs, you will end up visiting Sawada coffee Located on the second floor at 112 N. Green Street is Sawada coffee. It's together with another establishment. The tables inside the establishment do not belong to Sawada Coffee The trick to securing the seat belonging to the other establishment is to purchase something from that other establishment so that us Sawada coffee drinkers can peacefully sip on our drinks Don't ever think that coffee is just coffee, because it isn't you will learn this if you would to visit with Sawada Coffee if and when you are in the area in Chicago. A post script to this review is I just happen to be traveling with a bunch of people that are coffee and Matcha Kings and Queens I am a pawn still learning

As a matcha girlie, Sawada Coffee was a must-try spot in Chicago. The vibes here- I'm all about…read morethem- and the drinks were pretty good. We came on a weekend afternoon, and it was popping! The line was out the door. To get in, walk up the stairs (there's also a menu posted), then order at the register. You'll then pay and pick up your drink when it's called. Drinks are made pretty quickly; the service was kind, and they also have pastries on display. Seating-wise, they have some bar seating. But what gets you is the ambiance; it's rustic and chic! I'm all about trying either a basic or specialty matcha. I got a Matcha Latte, Tokyo Style, with Oat Milk. The matcha was good quality, a bit on the milky and creamy side, but the Tokyo style made it sweet. It was a good pick-me-up, but for the price, it was a bit expensive. I tried my friend's seasonal Hojicha Spiced Pumpkin Latte, and it was strong and good. If you're into matcha or coffee, Sawada Coffee in West Loop is a popular spot. Find them off N Green Street, close to public transportation. Happy me and Irene M. could get our matcha fix!

0.2 mi•Wicker Park, West Town

Baked treats

Bbq restaurant shared space

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Hot Military Latte

The Wormhole Coffee

4.4(1.4k reviews)

•$

Wormhole is weird but in a good way. The line was long but a lot to look at. Great coffee, fun…read moreretro vibes, and a DeLorean casually hanging out inside because apparently normal coffee shops are boring. Definitely worth a stop even if you're not trying to get back to 1985.

Not sure how Matt managed to get hired here, so I assume being rude is part of their training…read more After hearing great things about their coffee and being in town for a trip, I payed Wormhole a visit. I ordered 5 coffees one morning, and all the register guy did was write a few names on some cups and placed it down. I understand tipping culture is a divided topic of discussion, but at the end of the day, it is OPTIONAL. After pressing the skip button from what I believe to be non-tip worthy service, he threw a fit and said "Wow you're serious? After I did all that?" Meanwhile all he did was write names on cups. Now I would understand if he was the barista working hard to pump out the coffees, but two lovely ladies were in the back doing that. He shooed me and my friend out of line as we were still processing what he just said. The next customer orders and he had the audacity to talk about us to them while we're 5 feet away. Delusional as he was, he had the nerve to say we were holding up the line and made him do "all that work", and I could promise you, we knew exactly what we wanted to order the second we got up, and took no longer than 45 seconds. We also witnessed he got into it with another customer, so it seems like he's the problem here. Most wild service I have ever received, all for some milky coffees. I ended up tipping the lovely ladies in the back though. Be warned. There are much better spots.

1.4 mi•West Town, Humboldt Park

Matt ducking behind the counter

Chocolate croissant

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Vanilla Bean with whole milk.....one of the best coffees I've had in a long while.....

Star Lounge Coffee Bar

4.4(591 reviews)

Great coffee, an amazing staff, and a very cool vibe! Stop by for a great experience if your in…read morehe neighborhood! 5 Pro Tip: outdoor patio to relax on when the weather cooperates!

Great Chicago coffee shop. The vibe is right and the coffee options are a plenty…read more I typically get a cold brew, and a bean and cheese breakfast taco. They used to have great empanadas too but the tacos are soooo good. And they have great salsa to go along with them. They sell some beverages like Topo Chico, apple juices, and Jarritos. I have only had one weird interaction here with a staff member, I asked for a pump of mocha syrup in my cold brew and they basically said it was a dumb idea because it wouldn't mix. I have had that in several cold brews at several different well established coffee shops in Chicago and it's delicious when you need a sugar boost. The barista did it but he also shared it didn't make sense. It was uncomfortable. But I didn't let that mar my experience. I still have continued to order my beverage with that barista. Also they have a great mural in the back.

Upstairs seating

Outside

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Coffee Display

Pilot Project Brewing - Logan Square

4.4(218 reviews)

1.2 mi•Logan Square

Good vibes, good beer, good coffee. Walk up to the counter…read moreand it feels really between a bar and a cafe in a great way. Always good seating, space to work, space to talk. Been there to be productive and to catch up with people and it's a great spot for either. Food is pretty good too, but some dishes a little plain salty for me. The beer selection is great tho and with the coffee it's easy to find s good complement

Trying to gate keep this place, but there are so many amazing things about it that I do want to…read moreshare. First off - pickle beer - if you know, you know. It's the life juice. Second, are the recently added craft drinks and I cannot stop thinking about the Hugo spritz - made just right. The service is impeccable, good food options and you cannot beat the patio - no matter the weather. 1000/10 recommend! P.S. If this location is not up to snuff for you, there's one more in Wrigleyville and OG in Milwaukee (trust me, it's worth the trip).

3.4 mi•Printer's Row, South Loop

Inside

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Booch cocktail

Cafe Deko

4.3(127 reviews)

Very good iced coffee needs nothing goes down smoothly…read more Staff is friendly and welcoming The place is busy but was happy to find a open seat outside

Definitely one of the most beautiful cafes in Chicago! I always bring my out of town guests here…read moreand they love it. The art deco decor is stunning! Excellent food and beverages. High quality ingredients. The breakfast and lunch sandwiches are great! Delicious pastries too. I love all their coffee and espresso drinks. Their cafe au lait is one of my favorites. They have refreshing iced teas and iced coffees, and delicious smoothies too. Everyone who works here is very kind. Excellent service. On weekends they don't allow laptops and I appreciate that. They encourage social connection. They have a small outdoor patio too and it's really cute. This place is very lively and busy. Very popular and rightly so. Great vibes all around!

0.3 mi•Wicker Park, West Town

Iced coffee

The main coffee area leading up to the counter

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Yum @yassiG

Volumes Bookcafe

4.7(26 reviews)

I love Volumes! Every time I stop in, I always find a new book to add to my TBR. I trust the…read morestaff's recommendations. I have come here numerous times to find a gift for a friend or family member, and have always been successful in my mission after my visit to Volumes. The staff is so helpful, too! I love supporting a local, indie bookstore! In addition to that wonderful perk, Volumes also offers a ton of classes and events. They definitely foster community here.

Owner stiffed many vendors over the years. She notoriously didn't pay her bills. The karma trrain…read moreeventually arrived at her station. RIP.

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Ipsento 606

4.1(386 reviews)

0.6 mi•Bucktown

•$

This place has always been overpriced but I've been able to justify it since it's a good work/study…read morelocation. Today though, I paid 9 dollars for a latte made with ALDI oat milk. Might have to start going across the street after this sadly.

There are lots of places to work, the bathrooms are clean, and the drink menu has a lot of variety…read more When my drink didn't come out they fixed it right away.

2.9 mi•University Village

Interior

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Cinnamon Honey Latte

Gathers Tea Bar

4.8(352 reviews)

This is one of my favorite matcha spots in all of Chicago! It gets pretty busy sometimes, so expect…read morea wait during their peak hours. It will get a little loud too if it's crowded, so be sure to listen to your order name or number in order to grab your drink at the delivery counter! Probably my 3rd or 4th time visiting, but the drinks always hit the matcha itch each time I love the Strawberry Matcha Latte since it brings a good level of sweetness from the strawberry puree but also the bitterness from the matcha. The matcha has such a deep flavor that with any of the specialty lattes, you don't lose any of that matcha flavoring to the add-ons. The Mango Matcha Latte is also very good! You get a lighter mango taste (in comparison to having a stronger strawberry taste), and you can still taste the depth of the matcha flavor. Even after the ice melting after time, you can still taste the matcha as if it was not watered down. That's how you know you're getting premium quality matcha. tl;dr If you haven't tried Gathers...you're missing out on some delicious matcha.

Cute and busy cafe! We came midday on Saturday and everyone seemed to be here. Good vibes,…read morefast-paced and so many drinks options. I LOVED their menu because they have a good mix of boba, matcha and other decaffeinated drinks. Boba prices are good too, and regular drink is around $5.5 on average. I got mango matcha and I can tell it's a high quality matcha. Even towards the end, the matcha didn't get watered down much (see one of the pictures). The mango didn't taste authentic, but good quality matcha made up for it. Ube monster was also tasty; it has Oreo crumbs on top. The sweetness was just right. Service was fast and there are so many self-check out stations.

Strawberry Matcha Latte

Brown Sugar Hojicha, Brown Sugar Matcha Latte, Black Sesame Matcha Latte

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Thai Tea

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee

4.8(31 reviews)

4.3 mi•Albany Park

Cozy and huge coffee shop! They have my beloved oat milk for lattes. And tons of donuts, cakes,…read morecroissants, cheesecakes and also custard and pies! And cookies and danishes and muffins. Oh my! The pies kind of look like homemade individual sized pizza pockets with either spinach, chicken, veggie or zatar. They're on the bottom shelf in the picture. All kinds of pastries from savory to sweet. I was eyeing the chicken pie for a future visit during lunchtime. If you want to work on your laptop, the free WIFI is good and there are charge cord plugs all along the wall. I like how spacious and bright it is inside, not to mention the high ceilings. When I get cabin fever it's nice to "escape" to a clean and friendly location like this.

A group of us were in the mood for dessert after a delicious dinner nearby and stopped by here. I…read morebelieve Qamaria is a chain so I think I've been to another location in another city, but this is my first time at this one in Chicago. We got an array of desserts to share: the pistachio cheesecake, Dubai chocolate cheesecake, Ferrero Rocher cheesecake, and a kunafe custard. I thought everything was yummy and we all had different rankings of what was good/our favorite. I think I really liked the kunafe custard but I appreciated that each of the items had a distinct flavor that felt worth trying. I would definitely come back.

3.0 mi•North Center, Lakeview

Nice sitting space

Dubai cheesecake. Delicious. I recommend to have it with black coffee.

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Sana'a

Ritual Coffeehouse

4.5(215 reviews)

I had high hopes for this little place. The server was a little rude that I was standing in the…read morewrong place to order (no biggie, but it was my first time here). But my drink: awful. I took a sip. Yuck! I waited a few minutes, thinking, maybe it wasn't THAT bad, and tried another sip. Yuck! On my way out, I brought my drink back to the counter. It was still warm. I told the guy that the drink was terrible, that it tasted like warmed up Hersheys syrup. He took my drink and said, "Oh I'm sorry about that." I paused a second; he had nothing else to say. He didn't offer to make me a new drink. Didn't offer a pastry. Didn't offer a refund. I'm out $6 and I did not get to enjoy a treat. We're urged to support local, but experiences like this remind me why I like to go to the consistent chain that ALWAYS remakes my drink if there's a problem (which their rarely is), no questions asked. Totally disappointing. Would not go back because my drink was terrible and the customer service didn't exist.

After a quick lunch nearby, my friend and I stopped by Ritual Coffeehouse for an afternoon coffee…read more They don't roast their own beans at Ritual, but they source from Counter Culture (which is a pretty much the Starbucks of third wave coffee). I got the 16 oz. iced latte which only comes with two shots of coffee, but I asked for an extra shot to be put in. The latte was fine. The espresso flavor was definitely very strong, but nothing unique or experimental. This is pretty typical of Counter Culture beans since they tend to stick to mainstream preferences. Overall, chill spot. The coffee is reliable, and the interior is cozy.

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Jalapeño & cheddar scone

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Cappuccino

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24 reviews that are not currently recommended

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m s.

17 years ago

The Gallery Cafe is our wonderful neighborhood coffee shop, breakfast nook, lunch spot and a great place to study, read or use the free wifi. Everyone on the staff is friendly and fun, even at 6 AM on a Monday. The coffee is good, roasted onsite and well priced for the neighborhood, and the syrup flavors are better than average (caramel actually looks like caramel, for example, unlike that nasty watery stuff served elsewhere -- same with chocolate, I think). You can also get a fruit smoothie, ice-cream float, tea, whatever floats your boat. The sandwiches and wraps are as good as the drinks. Both breakfast and lunch samiches are awesome, especially if you sort of forgo the menu and have them make you something random. I'm kind of intimidated by the extensive chalkboard menu anyway. Some of the staff are more willing to be inventive than others, but they're all good sports. Anyway, the egg sandwiches are seriously good, the cheeses awesome, chipotle mayo applied where appropriate, and good bagels, croissants, french bread, etc. Or you can get most things wrapped in a tortilla rather than bread. Lunch is just as good as breakfast. There are plenty of vegetarian options and fewer vegan ones, though they can always come up with something vegan if you'd like. (There is soy milk behind the counter for coffee.) There is not a ton of room inside, and people tend to stay a long time to study or use the internet, but most of the seating is a bunch of small two-person tables, so you can usually find a place to sit. Groups can bump individuals from the booths. There is also a sunny outdoor area during the warmer months. I can't keep myself away from the Gallery, and it's not because of a caffeine addition. The coffee is great, and if I go more than a few days without a breakfast samich or wrap I find myself craving one. Just one comment in response to the reviewer who said they always play "soft opera and other classical music": the music varies depending on who's working, but I rarely hear opera or classical. It's most likely to be some combination of rock, electronic rock and occasionally '90s hits. read more

Kevin R.

17 years ago

I really don't feel any place rates 5 stars....Gallery Cafe is definitely 4 though. I feel compelled to rate it as 5 in order to offset the ridiculous (hearsay and name-calling??) reviews of people like Leslie B. I honestly wonder what happens to make a person so cranky that they have to unleash it on any barrista who crosses their path.....enough about that. I eat here at least 3 times a week and have never been disappointed, whether its a breakfast burrito, bagel sandwich, wrap, or oatmeal ! If I need a good, reasonably priced bite to eat, I still go with Gallery as a solid performer. Maybe I am being hard on Leslie B. but I believe you get what you give when you wear your attitude like that. Pesto Chicken wrap is sooo good ! But the staff are so talented and creative that sometimes I just tell them that I'll eat whatever they feel like making-----and it's always great !!! read more

Jennifer M.

19 years ago

Just about every seat in the cafe is a window seat so it is great for people watching. Its atmosphere is more airy and simplistic less "cozy". The staff are wonderful! Each time I went there I was greeted with a friendly smile and a hello. (Not a big deal, but polite, happy staff are hard to come by in some other cafes around the city!) The food is great. My guilty pleasure is the Matisse sandwich which is a BLT on toasted French Bread. Free Wi-Fi! The only reason why I did not give them five stars...they roast their own coffee beans which sounds fabulous...in theory. The only problem is the machine made a loud whirring/grinding noise the whole time, the place filled up with this hazy smoke and worst of all I smelled like smoke for the rest of the day! I have never had a problem finding parking near-by along the neighborhood streets. read more

Ronny B.

17 years ago

great place to go if you want to feel guilty for wanting coffee. terrible service with slow elitist hipsters not really caring. get over yourself you work at a coffee shop!! dont get it wrong, i come here to get coffee, not to make friends but when i come in every single morning for two months straight and get greeted with the same cold reception everytime. i finally had to give up on um. its a shame cuz its a great location and i love the free wifi plus the coffee aint half bad. the only reason i will not go here anymore is strictly for the unfriendly hipster staff that cant even say hello to me when i walk up to the register. seriously get over yourself. read more

Robert J.

1 year ago

Hit up Gallery Cafe in Bucktown this morning and I'm already planning my next visit. Started with a dripping hot "Rothko" latte (honey‑lavender vibe) and grabbed a Spicy Bob Ross breakfast sammie on that jalapeño‑cheddar bagel. The patio's chill, filled with arty vibes and that laid‑back neighborly energy--perfect for a quick scroll or people‑watching. Barista was a total gem, noticed I liked it a tad sweet and tossed in an extra honey drizzle without me even asking. This place is pure Bucktown heart--great coffee, killer food, zero pretense--feels like your cool buddy started a café. read more

Julie C.

17 years ago

I went to Gallery on my last trip to Chicago. All the staff were really nice and professional. The ambience is really cool and we felt really comfortable just hanging out for awhile. I had a mocha and their coffee is fantastic. You can really taste the difference that their fresh roasting makes. I have also gotten a gift of an assortment of coffees which was awesome. I had the House Blend, Jamaican Blue Mountain, Costa Rican and Columbian. Each one was delightful. I can't wait to return and buy some more. I will definitely be returning to Gallery on my next visit to Chicago. read more

Britton W.

315

17 years ago

I come to gallery pretty much everyday. as i live a block away. there staff is way cool and very friendly. the coffee is good and so is the food. there is free wi-fi with no limit on time. i tend to do most of my surfing there and hang out with friends. it has a real nice neighborhood vibe, so its welcoming and not snobby. nor is it the starbucks feel of corporate coffee. so as far as wicker park coffee shops this one is the best by far. and i have lived in this hood gor about five years. read more

Buddy L.

9 years ago

i tried to like this place, I really did, I went a couple weeks again and the coffee was ok, a little pricey but ok, kindof a hopped up dunkin blend. But it was the smell in the place, I don't know if they hadn't cleaned or what but there was a premeating stench of body odor that just wouldn't quit. again, maybe I picked a bad time, but a little freebreeze would have gone a long way. so, I tried it again, thinking it had to be a fluke. nope same ok coffee and same stench. what the duck? read more

Sage M.

17 years ago

Few words can describe how much I love this coffee house. The food is diverse and delicious, the art is everchanging and is always interesting and a pleasure to look at. The staff is more than helpful and friendly, One girl Rachel is particularly helpful and is always awesome with my sometimes complicated orders. And the coffee is clean and delicious, it'll make you slowly resent and starbucks. The free wi-fi is also a big ups. It's worth every last penny. read more

Alyssa C.

5 years ago

Gallery Café is the PERFECT coffee shop in Wicker Park. It encapsulates the Wicker Park vibe. I love that they feature local artists. Also, their coffee is some of the best I have ever tried. I also love the outdoor seating area and the wonderful live plants inside and outside the shop. The staff is also wonderful and so kind. If you haven't been, you need to go! read more

John S.

15 years ago

pretty good coffe, average pita (nothing special, not much veggies in vegetarian pita ) I was gong to give them 4stars until I went to the bathroom. I have to deduct one star and to ask to do something with this bath. Looks disgusting. The bath shouldn't look like this in the place selling food. read more

Gallery C.

412

8 years ago

Fresh roasted coffee. Enough said. Always good coffee, super humble staff, quick place to grab and go, or comfy enough to invite a friend and chat. Breakfast sandwiches are one of a kind delicious. Nice music selections which is always a bonus. Love Gallery Café. read more

David S.

18 years ago

Decent diggs I love how people in there review say they come here to study B.S. your coming to hook up. At least be honest with yourself. No one come to cafe with no lightin gto read a book. Girl keep it real. The place itself is decent. read more

Eugene W.

1 year ago

Consistently good flavorful coffee and food. Breakfast sandwiches are my jam and the Davinci hits the spot. Always a friendly nice people working. I love taking home a bag of coffee beans as well. read more

Zelma S.

14 years ago

Good coffee, so-so atmosphere, HORRIBLE owner (makes me not want to patronize the place). Music is good, baristas are nice, food is also pretty good (I suggest getting the Kahlo). read more

Whitney B.

17 years ago

My first review is not showing up anymore, methinks the system is playing games. Perhaps a refresher will bring it back to life. Just to reiterate, A++. read more

Peter P.

17 years ago

Great spot in in Bucktown. Really good sandwiches and wraps. Good coffee. Great music. Free wi-fi. Nice staff. I found my new coffee shop. read more

Megan S.

14 years ago

One time we went there they told us it would take 45-50 minutes to make 2 sandwiches because they were behind on orders. what? no thanks.

Ryan W.

150

7 years ago

Great neighbourhood coffee spot with some cool art work. The shop fills our neighbourhood with the delicious smell of roasted coffee!

Gary C.

16 years ago

This place is nice. their sandwiches are good the fernando botero is fantastic. the coffee is good too read more

Gallery Cafe - coffee - Updated October 2026

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Love Red June! Slowly becoming a regular at this cafe because the breakfast sandwiches are elite…read moreAND the coffee is really very good. I also am obsessed with the fact that with every breakfast entree you get a cup of fresh fruit. I've tried BECs a couple of times and most recently a breakfast burrito, which was also very good and the perfect breakfast to take on an early morning road trip. The iced pistachio latte is a must have! The staff are always so wonderful, with amazing service, and everything here is good actually (doughnuts, etc.) The indoor and outdoor seating is limited, and the shop gets pretty busy on the weekends, so be prepared for that. One last thing that I love about Red June is that they have a walk-up window that you can order from, which makes being on the go that much easier. Great place to work or read if you can snag a spot!

I helped move my friend into her new apartment nearby so we had to find her new local coffee spot…read moreand this is totally it. What a cute and fun cafe! The employees were friendly, the vibe was fun, and the coffee was delicious. I ordered a lavender honey latte with oat milk. I typically find these to be too heavy on the lavender but this was the perfect ratio of flavors. My friend enjoyed her pistachio latte! My son wanted coffee too, so they gave him a small cup of whipped cream which was sweet. They have a decent sized menu with great options. We ordered egg bites which everyone enjoyed. There are only a few tables inside with some stools set up at the window. It's small but there is space outside too. They have a window you can order at on the side of the building. Can't wait to go back!

The Cuptown

(30 reviews)

I order capuchino ,croisant but lately i love their classic hot chocolate soo good…read moreCozy coffee shop in lincoln park Yummy Best hot chocolate i i got

In the area after pizza at Pequods…read more Two of us ordered: americano $5 iced latte $6 No one else there. Nice ambiance inside. Good spot for AC break and restroom pit stop.

VIGO Coffee - Lincoln Park

4.1

(44 reviews)

Cute coffee shop, great coffee, friendly baristas. I also just read about their good neighbor…read moreprogram, love to see that they support the community.

I wonder if my experience was a fluke, but unfortunately this was some of the worst "matcha" I've…read moreever been served. From the pictures alone you can see why, there was just a pinch of matcha powder in there, my drink simply tasted like sweetened oat milk, which to be fair, didn't taste bad, it just isn't a proper matcha. I wonder if my drink was this way because we came in around 15 minutes before close, no one was at the counter to take our order, I had to lean into the storage room to get the barista's attention. The barista was super friendly and attentive once they realized customers had been waiting. It's a shame because it looked like a cool spot to hang out, plenty of folks were working from here, they had some cool tiger artwork on the outside of the shop that drew me in, great vibe, but sadly I just cannot recommend coming here as it seems like a bit of a hit or miss experience.

Queen B

(46 reviews)

Not me about to travel outside of my neighborhood for coffee and cake. The vibes alone. I don't…read moreeven need to put my earbuds in necessarily. Because the music is chill. I can focus. And the staff is warm and helpful. No notes.

Quick, solid spot for a meeting…read more If you need a good place to meet up and grab a couple of snacks, Queen B at 3072 N. Lincoln Ave. is a solid choice. This is a walk-up service spot, and everyone working there has always been friendly and welcoming in my experience. The space itself has large front windows and a slightly upscale café/diner feel, making it a comfortable place to post up for a bit. They're mostly known for café-style items, but the menu has some really good bites as well. I've had their French toast in the past, and it was great. Overall, it's a convenient and reliable spot if you need somewhere casual to meet, work, or catch up with someone over light food and drinks. 4 out of 5 stars.

Mimi’s On Lincoln

(29 reviews)

So happy we were able to come here! The shop is great for meat eaters and also vegans! There's a…read morewhole separate vegan menu that you can find online and is available on request at the restaurant. Meat Sandwiches: The taste Chicago was really hardy - the breast was soft and crunchy, the hot peppers definitely added some really good spice, and motradella didn't feel super fatty. We also got the Reuben - the 1000 island dressing was not overpowering, there was plenty if turkey, and the sourdough was also so good! Vegan Sandwiches: The vegan BLTA was very yummy according to our vegan friends - they said the seitan was nicely seasoned and the garlic aoili was really good. They also opted into getting a bagel with vegan cream cheese + the basil pesto. The coffee was great! The ube latte was a little sweet for my liking but the espresso they use is great. The service was quick and the server was super nice/chill! The cafe itself has about 10ish tables and can be a great space to catch up with a friend or WFH with outlets around. Shout out to the early 2000s throwbacks that were playing in the background!

finally made my way here!…read more my son already asked -- "can this be a regular spot please?". he enjoyed his OG breakfast sandwich. i enjoyed the vegan options! vegan quinoa bf bowl was 80% quinoa :( i left a bunch of it behind but loved the "just egg", please add more spinach - you know the stuff shrivels up to nothing! that lemon tahini is to DIE for. i want a bottle to pour on all of my salads and bowls! quick counter service makes this a great spot to bike to for a quick weekend breakfast.

Flying Saucer

3.7

(461 reviews)

Great food, great service, can't wait to go back again…read more It's honestly insane to see so many comments about "poor service". All the Chads and Karens in the comments, It's a diner people, shut the hell up. Know what you want and order like adults and order it when they get to the table. This isn't dinner at a fancy restaurant where you need to talk about the menu. It's two people running a floor and serving good food. Unreal how selfish and entitled so many people are in these comments. Shut up and go somewhere else crybabies

This hipster joint on the edge of the gentrifying Humboldt Park--which unfortunately does not lean…read moreinto its name when it comes to the décor (come on guys! Disclosure day is imminent!)--packs in some solid flavors with a dash of condescension. A companion and I had two "Trucker Bowls" here recently, and boy did mine fill up my 18 wheeler! Trying just this incredibly savory, breakfast-staple bonanza of a dish may be a worth a trip if you are already "out West," even if the service almost certainly isn't--I had trouble telling if our waiter was just doing the alt-punk not-giving-a-$*!+ shtick or whether he was genuinely annoyed by my preppy-sweatered, raising-a-hand-to-get-his-attention (in any empty restaurant!) presence. In any case, there's no need to take umbrage at a patron for just trying to order a drink. Prices are a bit north of what I'd expect at this location.

Ancient Grounds Coffee Co

4.4

(60 reviews)

Accidentally found this place while I was leaving Yoga Box on Sheffield. Friendly environment with…read morereasonable prices for breakfast: orange juice, coffee, avocado toast with egg: $21. I like how the baristas are friendly with each other and are enjoying working here too. Browntstone walls and comfortable seating with decent music make me feel like I can concentrate on journalling and reading.

The Queen wanted to come here to try the coffee flight, but soon discovered that the flight was not…read moreoffered on the weekends, just the Mon-Fri. Ancient Grounds Coffee Co is located on Belmont, not too far from the Red Line. There was plenty of street parking, but was odd that the signs said the training was 24/7, but when I tried to pay on my app, it would not accept it, so I took a photo of the app saying that just to be on the safe side. The store is very bright and clean. We had a problem getting in, initially thinking the store was closed, although we could see folks in there. Turns out that the door is somewhat hard to open, and fortunately the gentleman sitting in the window alerted us to push real hard. Turns out while we were there, he was the unofficial doorman letting others know to push real hard. Since the flight was unavailable, we decided to have breakfast. The Queen got the Best Damn Ham & Egg (bacon, ham, egg, and pepper jack cheese on a croissant) and I got the Breakfast Burrito (sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, hash browns, and cheddar cheese wrapped in a flour tortilla, side of salsa). Both of these were quite good, fresh in flavor. I also got a cranberry orange scone, which was also quite tasty. Before I could ask if they could warm it up, they offered to do so. I love pastries and I need them warm, so kudos to them for offering without me asking. The Queen got a Biscoff Latte (secret recipe syrup, a double shot of espresso, milk, whipped cream, topped with a biscoff cookie. This drink is 16 oz in size. She said it was delish and that the cookie was just lovely. I got a standard mocha with almond milk and that was very good as well. There are seating options throughout the location and ample room if you want to work on your laptop: tables, benches and couches. I like that they offer different sizes (8 oz, 12 oz, and 16 oz) for certain drinks, while some come in 16 oz only. And there is the option of hot and cold drinks. Service was cool. The staff was pleasant. Once you place your order at the front counter, they will call you up to the front to pick up your drinks and eats. I have to also mention that they were playing some great dusty tunes to groove on a Sunday morning. I thought the prices were pretty reasonable, especially when you compare it to a Starbucks. Avocado Toast under $10, yes you heard that right. I can definitely see myself coming back here on an early Sunday morning to just chill, drink and eat, it was that much fun. Before leaving, I did thank our doorman for his service in helping all of us to get into the joint. Next time, I will know to use some muscle to get into Ancient Grounds Coffee Co.

Gallery Cafe

4.1

(23 reviews)

Great cafe! In the bottom floor of an apartment building with lots of windows, so it's pretty…read morebright. The area doesn't get a ton of foot traffic, so it's never too crowded. The mona lisa breakfast sandwich was surprisingly good, and breakfast can be custom-made to order. The hazelnut latte was also flavorful and not overly sweet.

A friend suggested this place for lunch. Place seemed cool. clean. modern. The service is where…read moreeverything fell apart. Ordered 2 sandwiches (a bagel sandwich/veggie sandwich) 2 coffees and a pastry. With tip it was like $36. coffees came right out. Bagel sandwich took about a half hour for some reason. at the 45 min mark I inquired about the veggie sandwich to which i'm told that i was never charged for it. So I ordered it. It's like 12 cents worth of ingredients on dry semi toasted wheat bread for $11. At nearly $50 total I wouldn't go back.

Engine Coffee